Stevens Johnson Syndrome in Adults

Stevens Johnson syndrome in adults can be the result of an adverse reaction to a medication, viral infection, cocaine or radiation therapy. Adverse drug reactions are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, claiming the lives of approximately 150,000 people every year. Some of the medications that have been linked to the development of SJS in adults include:

anti-gout drugs (allopurinol)
anti-convulsant medications (Dilantin, Tegratol)
non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDS (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, Motrin, Advil, Bextra)
medications for bacterial infections (sulfonamides, penicillin, Septra, Bactrim)

Symptoms of Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Stevens Johnson syndrome in adults is a life-threatening inflammatory condition that attacks the skin and mucous membranes. Early detection and immediate medical attention are necessary in order to avoid serious complications that can occur with Stevens Johnson syndrome in adults. The condition is characterized by irritated, red, blistering, splotching, burning outbreaks on the skin, which may cause SJS symptoms such as:

blisters
diarrhea
eye problems
fever and chills
hives
lesions
nausea and vomiting
rashes
upper respiratory tract infection

Although the mouth, eyes and nose are the areas affected the worst (due to their mucous membranes), any area of the body – including the genitals – can be affected. When symptoms affect over 30 percent of the body, the condition has progress into Toxic Epidermal Necolysis Syndrome (TENS), which is a deadly form of the same condition.

Complications of Stevens Johnson Syndrome

If Stevens Johnson syndrome in adults is suspected, a patient should receive prompt medical treatment of his/her symptoms in order to avoid a number of serious complications, such as:

asthma
arthritis
blindness
chronic fatigue syndrome
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
dry eye syndrome
extensive skin damage and disfigurement
lung damage
permanent blindness
permanent loss of nail beds
photophobia
scarring of the esophagus or other mucous membranes

The death rate of adults with SJS is three to fifteen percent of all cases, causing approximately 100,000 fatalities in the U.S. each year.

Please contact our Stevens Johnson Syndrome attorneys now!

Disease Breaking News

"Former NBA player Manute Bol dies after fighting Stevens-Johnson Syndrome"

Manute Bol, a former NBA player and humanitarian, recently passed away from kidney failure and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

Bol, who was 47-years-old, was renowned for his 7"7' frame and tireless efforts to improve his native Sudan for his fe...

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"Stop smoking drug linked to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome"

Health officials and a drug company in Canada are issuing stronger warnings about an anti-smoking drug, which cautions that the drug could cause Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

Health Canada and Pfizer Canada increased the warnings for the smoking ce...

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"Family of jailed woman with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome criticize prison staff"

The family of a jailed woman who is suffering from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is criticizing the prison staff for allowing her condition to go untreated.

Charity-Lekiea Brown was recently sent to prison for not paying child support and a prison d...

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